Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Pekingese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Pekingese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Overview
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers feature a distinctive silky, wheat-colored coat that flows gracefully as they move. Their square-proportioned body combines strength with agility, while their soft, wavy coat requires regular maintenance. These medium-sized terriers display a happy, alert expression through their dark eyes and well-proportioned head, embodying their friendly and devoted nature.
Pekingese Overview
Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are more energetic than Pekingeses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Pekingeses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pekingeses.
- Trainability: Pekingeses may be slightly easier to train due to their Pekingese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pekingeses adapt better to apartment living, while Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Pekingese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm | 6-9 inches 15-23 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 14-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted | Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for being friendly, happy, deeply devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Pekingese Temperament
The Pekingese is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Pekingese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Pekingese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Pekingese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pekingeses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pekingeses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Pekingese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
- Eye problems
- Spinal disc issues
Pros & Cons
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Pros
- Minimal shedding coat
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different homes
- Friendly personality
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Health issues common
Pekingese
Pros
- Excellent apartment dogs
- Loyal and devoted
- Low exercise needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Regular grooming required
- Heat sensitive
- Can be aloof with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Pekingese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.